Five Kenyans picked for British Council leadership initiative

Five young Kenyans will be among 50 global finalists in the inaugural Future Leaders Connect, an initiative of the British Council that seeks to create a pool of outstanding policy leaders who can create positive differences in their home countries.

The five Kenyan finalists who made it to the programme include Tim Kipchumba, Lucy Radoli, Victoria Mwirichia, Siomon Wanda and Simon Ndirangu.

The programme, which is targeting young professionals aged 18-35 years at the entry and mid-level career, is keen to cultivate a pool of future thought leaders by developing their skills in leadership and policy making.

‘’The initiative is part of the British Council’s commitment to better life for future generation through sound global policies. It is also the council’s plan to promote social economic ties between the United Kingdom (UK) and the world,’’ said Tony Reilly, Country Director, British Council.

The initiative is also aimed at uplifting participants’ career profiles and professional skills, increasing their employability status while feeding firms with high quality human resource for growth. The exposure will also see them make valuable connections to boost their career growth.

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The five Kenyans will be given an opportunity to engage with leading public figures in the country and share their personal vision on how to address global challenges with a public audience.

The global project which is in its first edition saw at least 2,200 eligible Kenyans apply, with only 10 being shortlisted. The British Council will cater for all expenses for participants

The programme, Future Leaders Connect, brings together exceptional young people from around the world in a long-term network of emerging policy leaders. “They will develop their policy making expertise, make valuable connections and gain the skills to have real impact. Together they will discuss major global policy issues in the Houses of Parliament, engage with inspiring leaders, visit some of the UK’s leading global institutions and collaborate to produce innovative policy recommendations,” states the British Council through their website.

The skills, experience and connections they make through Future Leaders Connect will support them to seize their leadership potential.